Cuticle tool sharpening system and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for sharpening a tool, such as a cuticle nipper, is provided. A first abrasive component has first abrasive surface and a second abrasive component has a second abrasive surface. A motor drives the first and second abrasive components. A securing device secures the tool. A positioning device receives the securing device and permits movement of the securing device relative to the first and second abrasive devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/695,239 filed Jul. 9, 2018, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if fully restated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to asystem and method for sharpening a cuticle tool.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various tools are used in nail maintenance. Many of these tools are usedto cut or trim various parts of the nail. Several other of these toolsare used to remove parts of the nail itself and/or material on or aroundthe nail such as, but not limited to, nail polish or gel. Some examplesof these tools include, without limitation, nippers, clippers, cuticlenippers, acrylic nippers, cuticle pushers, gel polish tools, gelpushers, toe nail clippers, and the like. Many of these tools have oneor more sharpened edges used to cut or trim of the nail and/or removematerial deposited on or around the nail. These sharpened edges maybecome dulled or misshapen over many uses. Further, these sharpenededges may become dulled or misshapen if the tool is dropped or otherwisemishandled.

Such tools are relatively expensive. Sharpening or reshaping of suchtools is often less expensive than purchasing a new tool. Manualsharpening or reshaping of such tools is known. However, such manualsharpening or reshaping requires an experienced, skilled operator.Furthermore, such manual sharpening or reshaping is often performedusing tools adapted for general sharpening (e.g., files, grinders,sanders, etc.), but such generalist tools are not often conducive to theunique and specific needs of sharpening or reshaping nail related tools.Use of such tools, particularly by an unskilled operator, can lead topoor sharpening or reshaping. Furthermore, such manual sharpening orreshaping often requires a significant amount of time and effort.Therefore, what is needed is a cuticle tool sharpening system andapparatus.

The present invention is a cuticle tool sharpening system and apparatus.In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a motor connected oneor more abrasive devices. A first abrasive device may be shaped as adisk having a first and second thickness. An outer circumferentialportion of the first abrasive device may have a first thickness, whilean inner circumferential portion may have a second thickness that isless than the first thickness. The outer and front surfaces of the firstabrasive device may be coated with an abrasive material. A secondabrasive device may be shaped as a cylinder having a concave chamferededge extending from a first point along the height of the cylinder tothe distal end of the cylinder. In this way, the distal end of thesecond abrasive device may be shaped as a circle having a smallerdiameter than the proximal end of the second abrasive device, which mayalso be shaped as a circle. The outer surface of the cylinder, thechamfered edge, and the distal end may be coated with an abrasivematerial. In another exemplary embodiment, the second abrasive devicemay be shaped as an hourglass. The outer surface of the hourglass shapemay be coated with an abrasive material.

A positioning device may also be provided for positioning the tool forsharpening or reshaping relative to the one or more abrasive devices.The motor and the positioning device may be mounted to a common surface,though such is not required. The positioning device may be mounted toone or more tracks or slides on the common surface which permit verticaland horizontal movement of the positioning device. The positioningdevice may be configured to accept one or more securing devices andpermit multi-axis movement and orientation of the attached securingdevice(s).

A first securing device may be configured to accommodate one or morenail tools. The first securing device may comprise a first blockpositioned above a second block. The first block may comprise aprotruding lip that creates a gap between the bottom edge of the lip andthe top surface of the second block when the first block is placed intocontact with the second block. A first and second post may be located onthe top surface of the second block. The tool may be secured in anopened position against a front surface of the first block, below thelip, and between the first and second posts, thereby securing the toolinto the opened position. A fastener may extend through the first andsecond blocks to secure the first and second blocks to one another.

A second securing device may comprise a vertical fastener and ahorizontal fastener. The second securing device may comprise a securingportion configured to receive the head of the tool in a closed position.The vertical and horizontal fasteners may be positioned such that thehead of a tool may be secure therebetween in the closed position suchthat the head faces the motor. In exemplary embodiments, the secondsecuring device may be mounted to the first securing device, however,such is not required. In such embodiments, the second securing devicemay be located on an elongated member. The elongated member may comprisea first and second aperture configured to be secured to the first andsecond posts of the first securing device.

A third securing device may comprise a clamp configured to secure thetool in an opened position. The clamp may comprise a first portionlocated above a second portion. The clamp may comprise one or moregrooves located in the first and/or second portions, wherein saidgrooves are configured to accommodate the handle portion of the tool ina splayed open arrangement. A vertical fastener may extend through theclamp to secure the relative position of the first and second portions.The third securing device may further comprise a substantially C- orU-shaped securing portion configured to accommodate the head of a toolin a closed position. A horizontal fastener may extend through thesecuring portion to secure the tool therein.

The first, second, or third securing device may be selectively attachedto the positioning device and the tool may be secured therein. The motormay be activated such that the first and/or second abrasive devicesbegin to rotate. The positioning device may be manipulated to place theappropriate surface of the tool in contact with the first or secondabrasive device. Once the appropriate sharpening or reshaping isperformed, the positioning device may be manipulated to remove the toolfrom contact with the first or second abrasive device. The process maybe repeated as necessary with various surfaces of the tool to sharpen orreshape the tool. In other exemplary embodiments, the positioning andsecuring devices are not required and the tool may be sharpened orreshaped freehand.

Further features and advantages of the devices and systems disclosedherein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of thepresent disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to theaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of thepresent invention will be readily apparent from the followingdescriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein likereference numerals across the several views refer to identical orequivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary system;

FIG. 2A is a detailed side perspective view of an exemplary firstabrasive device for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a top view of other exemplary embodiments of the firstabrasive device;

FIG. 3A is a detailed front perspective view of an exemplary secondabrasive device for use with the system of FIGS. 1;

FIG. 3B is a detailed front perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of the second abrasive device.

FIG. 4 is side perspective view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed top perspective view of a first securing device foruse with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed top perspective view of a second securing devicefor use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a detailed top perspective view of a third securing device foruse with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detailed side perspective view of the third securing deviceof FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another exemplary motor and abrasivedevices;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe second abrasive device;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another exemplary securing device;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of other exemplary embodiments of theabrasive devices; and

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of exemplary attachments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, specific details such as detailed configuration andcomponents are merely provided to assist the overall understanding ofthese embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should beapparent to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications of the embodiments described herein can be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Inaddition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions areomitted for clarity and conciseness.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference toillustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) ofthe invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrationsas a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary system 10. The system10 may comprise a motor 12. One or more abrasive devices 14, 16 may beconnected to the motor 12. In exemplary embodiments, a first abrasivedevice 14 and a second abrasive device 16 are mechanically connected tothe motor 12 such that the first and second abrasive devices 16 areconfigured to rotate or otherwise move when the motor 12 is activated.The motor 12 may be in electrical connection with a controller 11 forcontrolling the power supplied to the motor 12. The controller 11 may beelectrically connected to a power sources such as, without limitation,an electrical outlet or a battery. In exemplary embodiments, the motor12 is a two-way motor such that the attached abrasive devices 14 and 16may be rotated in either direction. The controller 11 may be configuredto control the speed and direction of rotation of the abrasive devices14 and 16. In other exemplary embodiments, the controller 11 may beintegrated with the motor 12.

A positioning device 20 may be provided for positioning a tool 40 forsharpening or reshaping. The tool 40 may be nippers, clippers, cuticlenippers, acrylic nippers, cuticle pushers, gel polish tools, gelpushers, toe nail clippers, or any other tool used for nail maintenance.The motor 12 and the positioning device 20 may be mounted to a commonsurface 22, though such is not required. The positioning device 20 maybe mounted to one or more tracks 24 or 26 located on the common surface20, though such is not required. The tracks 24 and 26 may be configuredto permit vertical and horizontal movement of the positioning device 20along the track 24 and 26, though just vertical or just horizontalmovement is also contemplated. The illustrated number and orientation ofthe tracks 24 and 26 is merely exemplary and is not intended to belimiting. Any number of tracks 24 and 26 in any orientation iscontemplated. The positioning device 20 may comprise a receiver 27configured to receive one or more securing devices 30, 50, or 60. Eachof the securing devices 30, 50, or 60 may be configured to receive oneor more tools 40.

The positioning device 20 may be configured to permit multi-axismovement and orientation of the securing devices 30, 50, and 60. Suchmovement may include, but is not limited to, movement in the x-, y-, andz-directions. In exemplary embodiments, the positioning device 20 may beconfigured for vertical and/or horizontal movement along the tracks 24and 26. The positioning device 20 may be configured to tilt up and downalong a y-axis (i.e., pitch), rotate clock-wise and counter-clockwisealong an x-axis (i.e., roll), and/or rotate left or right along a z-axis(i.e., yaw), though such is not required. Various knobs and otherfasteners may be used to temporality secure the positioning device 20 atvarious positions and orientations. Various movement control devices,such as but not limited to, one or more micrometers 23, or othermeasuring devices, may be used to track and control the position andmovement of the positioning device 20. In exemplary embodiments, atleast one micrometer 23 is used to control the movement of thepositioning device 20 towards or away from the motor 12 such that theamount of abrasion performed on the tool 40 may be measured andcontrolled. This may permit detailed instructions to be provided to anunskilled operator. Additionally, this may permit an operator to trackand thereby receive feedback regarding the appropriate amount ofabrasion performed.

FIG. 2A is a detailed side perspective view of the first abrasive device14. The first abrasive device 14 may be configured to provide a grindingsurface for the tool 40 upon rotational movement of the first abrasivedevice 14. In exemplary embodiments, the first abrasive device 14 may beshaped as a disk and/or cylinder having a first and secondcircumferential portion 13 and 15. The first circumferential portion 13may have a first thickness and the second circumferential portion 15 mayhave a second thickness, wherein the second thickness may be greaterthan the first thickness. In exemplary embodiments, the firstcircumferential portion 13 is shaped as a disk placed within the secondcircumferential portion 15 which is shaped as a hollow disk whichcircumscribes the first circumferential portion 13. The outer and frontsurfaces of the second circumferential portion 15 may be comprise anabrasive material. The inner portion of the second circumferentialportion 15 extending to the front surface of the first circumferentialportion 13 may likewise comprise an abrasive material, though such isnot required. In exemplary embodiments, the abrasive material isprovided as a coating to one or more surfaces of the secondcircumferential portion 15. The abrasive material may comprise metal,ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasivematerial used may vary. In exemplary embodiments, the first abrasivedevice 14 may be configured to sharpen the blades 42 of the tool 40 whenthey are placed at an angle against the first abrasive device 14 and thefirst abrasive device 14 is rotated or otherwise moved relative to thetool 40.

FIG. 2B is a top view of other exemplary embodiments of the firstabrasive device 14. In these exemplary embodiments, a series of holes 74may be located on the first abrasive device 14. In exemplaryembodiments, seven equal size holes 74 of the same or different sizesand shapes may be equally spaced apart in a circular pattern about thecenter of the first abrasive device. However, any number of holes 74 inany pattern is contemplated. The holes 74 may be of any size or shape.The holes 74 may reduce the weight of the first abrasive device 14.Additionally, the holes 74 may improve the aesthetics of the firstabrasive device 14.

FIG. 3A is a detailed front perspective view of the second abrasivedevice 16. The second abrasive device 16 may be configured to provide agrinding surface for the tool 40 upon rotational movement of the secondabrasive device 16. In exemplary embodiments, the second abrasive device16 may be shaped as a cylinder 17 having a concave chamfered edge 19extending from a first point along the height of the cylinder 17 to adistal end 21. In this way, the distal end 21 may be shaped as a circlehaving a smaller diameter as compared to a proximal end of the secondabrasive device 16, which may also be shaped as a circle and which maybe located proximate to the motor 12. The distal end 21 of the secondabrasive device 16 is preferably flat and comprises an abrasive surface.The outer surface of the cylinder 17, the chamfered edge 19, and thedistal end 21 may also comprise an abrasive material. The abrasivematerial may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or thelike. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. In exemplaryembodiments, the abrasive material is provided as a coating to one ormore surfaces of the second abrasive device 16.

In exemplary embodiments, the second abrasive device 16 may beconfigured to thin the walls 44 of the tool 40 upon substantially flushapplication of the walls 44 to the cylinder 17 and/or the chamfered edge19 the second abrasive device 16 and rotation or other movement of thesecond abrasive device 16 relative to the tool 40. The second abrasivedevice 16 may be further configured to level the outer edges 48 of thetool 40 upon substantially flush application of the outer edges 48 tothe cylinder 17 and/or the chamfered edge 19 the second abrasive device16. The second abrasive device 16 may be further configured to trim theinner block 46 of the tool 40 upon placement of the tool 40 in theopened position and substantially flush application of the inner block46 to the distal end 21 of the second abrasive device 16.

FIG. 3B is a detailed front perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of the second abrasive device 16. The second abrasive device16 may further comprise a rounded edge 76 located between the chamferededge 19 and the distal end 19. In exemplary embodiments, the roundededge 76 may form a convex shape. The rounded edge 76 may comprise anabrasive material, which may be applied as a coating. The abrasivematerial may comprise metal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or thelike. The grit of the abrasive material used may vary. The rounded edge76 may permit the inside edge of the tool 40 to be sharpened on therounded edge 76.

FIG. 4 is side perspective view of the system 10. The common surface 22may comprise one or more adjustable legs 25 to control the tilt of thecommon surface 22. FIG. 4 illustrates the first securing device 30mounted to the positioning device 20 with the tool 40 secured within thefirst securing device 30.

FIG. 5 is a detailed top perspective view of the first securing device30. The first securing device 30 may be configured to accommodate one ormore tools 40. In exemplary embodiments, the securing device 30 maycomprise a first block 34 positioned above a second block 32. The firstblock 34 may comprise a protruding lip 36, which may create a gapbetween the bottom edge of the lip 36 and the top surface of the secondblock 32 when the first block 34 is secured to the second block 32. Thelip 36, and thus the resulting gap, may be sized to accommodate some orall of the tool 40. A first and second post 38 may be located on the topsurface of the second block 32. The first and second post 38 may bespaced apart on the second block 32 to accommodate some or all of thetool 40. In exemplary embodiments, the tool 40 may be secured in anopened position against the front surface of the first block 34, belowthe lip 36, and between the posts 38, thereby securing the tool 40 intothe opened position. A fastener 39 may extend vertically through thefirst and second blocks 32 and 34 to secure the first and second blocks32 and 34 to one another.

Once secured within the first securing device 30, the positioning device20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with the first orsecond abrasive device 14 or 16. In exemplary embodiments, the firstsecuring device 30 may be rotated to a 5, 10, 15, or 45 degree positionand the blades 42 of the tool 40 may be held against the first abrasivedevice 14 to sharpen the blades 42. However, this is merely exemplaryand not intended to be limiting. Any rotation angle or positioning ofthe tool 40 is contemplated. Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 maybe sharpened or reshaped using any of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

FIG. 6 is a detailed top perspective view of the second securing device50. The second securing device 50 may comprise a vertical fastener 52and a horizontal fastener 54, one or more of which may extend into asecuring section 51. The securing section 51 may be configured toreceive the head of the tool 40 in a closed position. In exemplaryembodiments, the second securing device 50 may form a substantially C-,U-, or G-shaped, though any shape is contemplated.

The vertical and horizontal fasteners 52 and 54 may extend into thesecuring section 51 to secure the tool 40 within the securing section51. In exemplary embodiments, the vertical and horizontal fasteners maybe positioned to secure the head of the tool 40 in the closed positionsuch that the blades 42 face the one or more abrasive surfaces 14, 16.In exemplary embodiments, the second securing device 50 may be mountedto the first securing device 30, however, such is not required. In suchembodiments, the second securing device 50 may be secured to anelongated member 56. The elongated member 56 may comprise a first andsecond aperture configured to be secured to the first and second posts38 of the first securing device 30.

Once secured within the second securing device 50, the positioningdevice 20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with thefirst or second abrasive device 14 or 16. In exemplary embodiments, thesecond securing device 50 may be rotated to a 0 degree position, but maybe rotated to the left or right along a z-axis (i.e., yaw) to place theouter edges 48 of the tool 40 substantially flush with the first orsecond abrasive device 14 or 16 to sharpen the blades 42, though such isnot required. However, this is merely exemplary and not intended to belimiting. Any angle or positioning of the tool 40 is contemplated.Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped usingany of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

FIG. 7 is a detailed top perspective view of the third securing device60, and FIG. 8 is a detailed side perspective view of the third securingdevice 60. The third securing device 60 may comprise a clamp configuredto secure the tool 40 in an opened position. The third securing device60 may comprise a first portion 62 located above a second portion 64.The third securing device 60 may comprise one or more grooves 68 locatedin the first and/or second portion(s) 62 and 64, wherein said grooves 68are configured to accommodate some of all of the tool 40, preferably ina splayed open arrangement though such is not required. A verticalfastener 66 may extend through the first and second portions 62 and 64to secure the relative position of the first and second portions 62 and64. The third securing device 60 may further comprise a securing portion70, preferably configured to accommodate the head of the tool 40 in aclosed position though such is not required. The securing portion 70 maybe substantially C- or U-shaped, though any shape is contemplated. Ahorizontal fastener 72 may extend through the securing portion 70 tosecure the tool 40 therein.

Once secured within the third securing device 60, the positioning device20 may be manipulated to place the tool 40 in contact with the first orsecond abrasive device 14 or 16. In exemplary embodiments, the thirdsecuring device 60 may be rotated to a 5, 10, 15, or 45 degree positionand the blades 42 of the tool 40 may be held against the first abrasivedevice 14 to sharpen the blades 42 and/or thin the walls 44. However,this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Any rotationangle or positioning of the tool 40 is contemplated. Similarly, anysurface of the tool 40 may be sharpened or reshaped using any of theabrasive devices 14 or 16.

In other exemplary embodiments, the third securing device 60 may berotated to a 0 degree position and may be rotated to the left or rightalong a z-axis (i.e., yaw) to place the outer edges 48 of the tool 40substantially flush with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16 tosharpen the level the edges 48. However, this is merely exemplary andnot intended to be limiting. Any angle or positioning of the tool 40 iscontemplated. Similarly, any surface of the tool 40 may be sharpened orreshaped using any of the abrasive devices 14 or 16.

The first, second, or third securing device 30, 50, or 60 may beattached to the positioning device 20 and the tool 40 may be secured inthe mounted securing device 30, 50, or 60. The motor 12 may be activatedsuch that the first and second abrasive devices 14 and 16 begin torotate. The positioning device 20 may be manipulated to place the tool40 in contact with the first or second abrasive surface 14 or 16. Oncethe appropriate sharpening or reshaping of the tool 40 is performed, thepositioning device 20 may be manipulated to remove the tool 40 fromcontact with the first or second abrasive device 14 or 16. The processmay be repeated as necessary to sharpen or reshape the tool 40. Forexample, without limitation, this process may be used to sharpen theblades 42, thin the walls 44, level the edges 48, and/or trim the innerblock 46. However, it is contemplated that any surface of the tool 40may be sharpened or reshaped. In other exemplary embodiments, thepositioning device 20 and securing devices 30, 50, or 60 are notrequired and any surface of the tool 40, including but not limited tothe blades 42, the walls 44, the edges 48, and/or the inner block 46,may be sharpened or reshaped freehand.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another exemplary system 100. Likeitems are numbered similarly but increased by 100 (i.e., 112 is similarto 12). A first and second abrasive device 114 and 116, respectively,may extend from either end of a motor 112. The second abrasive device116 may be shaped as an hourglass to accommodate the sharpening orreshaping of various features of the tool 40. The outer surface andfirst and second abrasive devices 114 and 116 may be coated with anabrasive material. The abrasive material may comprise metal, ceramics,diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of the abrasive materialused may vary. The system 100 may be used with a positioning device 20and securing device 30, 50, and 60. However, in other exemplaryembodiments, the system 100 may be used freehand.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe second abrasive device 116. The second abrasive device 116 mayfurther comprise a rounded edge 176 located on a distal end thereof. Therounded edge 176 may form a convex shape. The rounded edge 176 may alsobe coated with an abrasive material. The abrasive material may comprisemetal, ceramics, diamonds, diamond dust, or the like. The grit of theabrasive material used may vary. The rounded edge 176 may permit theinside edge of the tool 40 to be sharpened on the rounded edge 176.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe system of FIG. 1. The first and second abrasive devices 14 and 16may extend from either side of the motor 12. The motor 12 may be mountedto the surface 22. The positioning device 27 may be mounted tohorizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26. The securing device 30 may bemounted to the positioning device 27. The positioning device 27 maycomprise one or more knobs configured to adjust the position of thepositioning device 27 and/or secure the positioning device 27 in aparticular position. The horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26 maycomprise one or more knobs configured to adjust the position of thepositioning device 27 along the horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26and/or secure the positioning device 27 in a particular position alongthe horizontal 24 and/or vertical track 26.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another exemplary securing device30. The securing device 30 may comprise the first block 34, theprotruding lip 36, and the second block 32. The securing device 30 mayfurther comprise the posts 38 and the fastener 39. The securing device30 may further comprise a recess 31 located on a distal edge of thesecond block 32. The recess 31 may be configured to permit any tool 40located within the securing device 30 to be positioned closer to thefirst and/or second abrasive devices 14 and 16 without contacting thefirst and/or second abrasive devices 14 and 16. In exemplaryembodiments, the recess 31 may be shaped as a half circle. The recess31, for example without limitation, may permit the inner edge of theblade 42, 44 to be positioned closer to the first and/or second abrasivedevices 14 and 16 when the tool 40 is secured within the first block 34in an opened position.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe second abrasive device 16 and another exemplary embodiment of thefirst abrasive device 14. The second abrasive device 16 may comprise anadapter 204 and a chuck 202. The adapter 204 may be configured toconnect the chuck 202 to the motor 12. The chuck 202 may be configuredto receive one or more attachments 200.

The first abrasive device 14 may comprise an inner circumferentialmember 210. An outer edge 212 of the inner circumferential member 210may comprise abrasive material. The inner circumferential member 210 maybe shaped as a disk and/or cylinder, though such is not required. Theinner circumferential member 210 may be configured to sharpen, shape, orotherwise abrade inner surfaces of the tool 40, for example withoutlimitation. A funnel shaped section 214 may extend from an outer surfaceof the inner circumferential member 210. An outer edge of the funnelshaped section 214 may comprise an outer circumferential member 216,which may comprise an abrasive material. In exemplary embodiments, theouter circumferential member 216 may be annular in shape, though such isnot required. In other exemplary embodiments, the outer circumferentialmember 216 may be a coating applied to the outer edge of the funnelshaped section 214. The funnel shaped section 214, for example withoutlimitation, may facilitate placement of various surfaces of the tool 40in contact with the outer edge 212 and/or the outer circumferentialmember 216. The outer circumferential member 216 may, for examplewithout limitation, be configured to sharpen, shape, or otherwise abradeouter surfaces of the tool. The funnel shaped section 214 may furtherprovided better balance when rapidly spinning the first abrasive device14 as may be required to sharpen, shape, or otherwise abrade the tool40. The outer circumferential member 216 may comprise a finer gritabrasive as compared to the inner circumferential member 210, thoughsuch is not required.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of exemplary attachments 200. Anynumber or kind of attachments 200 are contemplated such as, but notlimited to, abrasive surfaces, polishing surfaces, cutting surfaces,disks, cones, knobs, some combination thereof or the like. Theattachments 200 may be configured to be interchangeably attached to thechuck 202. In other exemplary embodiments, the attachments 200 may beconfigured to be interchangeably attached to the motor 12, directlyand/or through the use of one or more adapters. The adapter portion 204of the second abrasive device 16 may be configured to receive thehourglass shaped abrasive device 116, such as but not limited to, asshown and described with respect to FIG. 10.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optionalor preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention.The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to beexhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. Theexemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the present invention so that others skilled in the artmay practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art willrealize that many variations and modifications may be made to thedescribed invention. Many of those variations and modifications willprovide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimedinvention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention onlyas indicated by the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the toolhaving blade and wall portions, the apparatus comprising: a firstabrasive component comprising a first abrasive surface; a secondabrasive component comprising a second abrasive surface; a motor fordriving the first and second abrasive components; a securing deviceadapted to secure the tool; and a positioning device adapted to receivethe securing device and permit movement of the securing device relativeto the first and second abrasive devices.
 2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein: the first abrasive component is adapted to sharpen theblade portion of the tool; and the second abrasive component is adaptedto thin the wall portion of the tool.
 3. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a surface; and a track located on thesurface and comprising vertically extending portions and horizontallyextending portions, wherein the track is adapted to permit movement ofthe positioning device between the first abrasive component and thesecond abrasive component.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein: the first abrasive component comprises a first portion shapedas a disk and comprising an abrasive material located along an outeredge thereof, a funnel shaped portion extending from an outer surface ofthe first portion, and a third portion which is annular in shape andlocated on an outer surface of the funnel shaped portion, wherein saidthird portion comprises an abrasive material.
 5. The apparatus accordingto claim 4, wherein: the abrasive material located on the third portionhas a finer grit as compared to the abrasive material located on thefirst portion.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the firstand second abrasive components are coated with a diamond coating.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the positioning device isadapted to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise in the roll axis; andthe positioning device is adapted to rotate left and right in the yawaxis.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the tool is acuticle nipper.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: thesecuring device comprises: a first block; a second block located belowthe first block; a first and second post spaced apart from one anotherand extending from an upper surface of the second block; and aprotruding lip located at the first block, wherein the protruding lipdefines a gap between a lower surface of the protruding lip and theupper surface of the second block when the first bock is secured to thesecond block; wherein the gap, the first post, and the second post areconfigured to receive the tool in an opened position.
 10. The apparatusaccording to claim 9, further comprising: an elongated member comprisinga first and second aperture located at a proximal end, wherein saidfirst and second aperture are configured to receive said first andsecond posts so as to secure the elongated member to the second block;and a securing section located at a distal end of the elongated member,wherein said securing section is configured to receive said tool in aclosed position.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, furthercomprising: a recess located on a distal end of the second block. 12.The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a verticalfastener comprising a knob and a threaded shaft; an aperture located inthe first block configured to receive the threaded shaft; and a threadedaperture located in the second block and configured to receive thethreaded shaft and permit the first block to be vertically positionedrelative to the second block upon rotation of the knob.
 13. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the securing device comprises:a first portion; a second portion spaced apart from the first portion todefine a gap configured to receive the tool; a vertical fastenercomprising a knob and a threaded shaft; an aperture located in the firstportion configured to receive the threaded shaft; and a threadedaperture located in the second portion and configured to receive thethreaded shaft and permit the first portion to be vertically positionedrelative to the second block upon rotation of the knob.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 13, wherein: the securing device comprise agrove located in the first or second portion configured to receive aportion of the tool in an open position.
 15. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a chuck configured to interchangeablyreceive a number of abrasive devices including the second abrasivecomponent; and an adapter configured to attach the chuck to the motor.16. An apparatus for sharpening a tool, the tool having blade and wallportions, the apparatus comprising: a surface; a motor mounted to thesurface; a first abrasive component coupled to a first end of the motorand comprising a first portion shaped as a disk and comprising anabrasive material located along an outer edge thereof, a funnel shapedportion extending from an outer surface of the first portion, and athird portion which is annual in shape and located on an outer surfaceof the funnel shaped portion, wherein said third portion is comprised ofan abrasive material; an adapter configured to be coupled to a secondend of said motor; a chuck configured to be received within said adapterand configured to receive one of a number of attachments; a controllerconfigured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the motor;a securing device configured to secure the tool; a positioning deviceadapted to receive the securing device and move the securing device inat least two dimensions; and a track located on the surface and adaptedto receive the positioning device and permit movement of the positioningdevice between the first abrasive component and the chuck, wherein saidtrack is further configured to permit movement of the positioning devicein the third dimension.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, furthercomprising: a second abrasive component shaped as an hourglass andcomprising a rounded edge located on a distal end thereof, wherein saidadapter is configured to receive said second abrasive device.
 18. Theapparatus according to claim 16, wherein: the securing device comprises:a first block; a second block comprising a half-circle shaped recesslocated at a distal end thereof; a first and second post spaced apartfrom one another and extending from an upper surface of the secondblock; and a protruding lip located at the first block and defining agap between a lower surface of the protruding lip and the upper surfaceof the second block when the first bock is secured to the second block;wherein the gap, the first post, and the second post are configured toreceive the tool in an opened position.
 19. An apparatus for sharpeninga tool, the tool having blade and wall portions, the apparatuscomprising: a surface; a motor mounted to the surface; a first abrasivecomponent coupled to the motor and adapted to sharpen the blade portionof the tool, the first abrasive component having a disk shape andcomprising an outer circumferential portion having a first thickness andan inner circumferential portion having a second thickness, wherein thefirst thickness is greater than the second thickness, and wherein theouter circumferential portion comprises a first abrasive surface; asecond abrasive component coupled to the motor and adapted to thin thewall portion of the tool, the second abrasive component having acylindrical shape and comprising a concave chamfered edge on a distalportion thereof, wherein an outer surface and a distal surface of secondabrasive component comprise a second abrasive surface; a controllerconfigured to control the speed and direction of rotation of the firstand second abrasive devices; a securing device configured to secure thetool; a positioning device adapted to receive the securing device andmove the securing device in three dimensions; and a track located on thesurface and adapted to receive the positioning device and permitmovement of the positioning device between the first abrasive componentand the second abrasive component.
 20. The apparatus according to claim19, wherein: The tool is a cuticle nipper.